Police ID Springfield, Westfield robbery suspects

A masked man robbed a convenience store in Westfield at gunpoint late Sunday night, and police say he and two accomplices were connected with a Springfield robbery as well.

Just before 11:30 p.m., a man pointed a gun at the clerk working at the Cumberland Farms convenience store on Main Street in Westfield. The robber reportedly ran off with $200 in cash.

A K-9 unit followed the man's scent from the convenience store, but lost it. No one was injured in the incident.

Meanwhile, Springfield police arrested three men after attempting to rob a convenience store on Boston Road less than three hours after the Westfield robbery.

Two Springfield police officers were patrolling the area when they saw two men running from the Gulf Express store. The officers attempted to catch them, but lost the getaway vehicle.

Like the Westfield incident, a robber showed a gun and demanded cash, but ran when they saw the police.

Officers later found the getaway car burned and a K-9 unit tracked three men to a nearby house on Kay Street. Police were also able to locate multiple sweatshirts and the gun used nearby the home.

One of the suspects reportedly called a cab from Kay Street in an attempt to flee the scene. Officer's spotted the man get into the cab and apprehended him, police said.

The Springfield clerk positively identified the gun, sweatshirts and the suspects.

Police charged Hector Lauriano, 28, of 132 Walnut St., Agawam, and David Cruz, 21, of 822 Main St., West Springfield, with assault with intent to rob, possession of a fire while committing a felony, carrying a firearm, and breaking and entering into a building, police said.

The third person was involved was a 17-year-old juvenile.

Springfield and Westfield police are working together in the investigation. Westfield police intend to file additional charges against the men, police said.